I am a senior in high school and I attend Benet Academy in Lisle.
In many of my classes, we have discussed the death of Pope John Paul II and the impact this pope had on other people.
Through reading the newspapers and hearing discussions throughout classes, many have said that the late pope was too conservative in his views toward gay marriage, birth control and marriage for those in the priesthood.
What many fail to realize is that Pope John Paul II wasn’t a politician.
It wasn’t Pope John Paul II’s job to conform to the wishes of the people and please them.
Yet people still call him one of the greatest popes to have ever presided over the Catholic Church.
He was steadfast to those who opposed him and ridiculed him.
Never once did he back down from his beliefs.
And that’s what made him an amazing leader.
I admit that there are certain issues on which I have differed from what the church and pope have taught us Catholics.
That doesn’t mean, however, that I have the right to criticize the pope for not saying what I want to hear.
Many reporters have commented that young adults were some of the most fervent supporters of Pope John Paul II.
I cannot speak for millions and millions of my peers.
But I know that because of the pope’s strong beliefs and his ability to stick to them even in the face of harsh opposition and criticism, he was one of the greatest leaders of our time.
